Students at Glacial Hills Elementary had a lesson in their relationship to trees recently at Holly Skogen Park.  With the ancient Willow Trees reaching their maturity and size, it is also a time when the winds can exceed their strength. Still, students honored the historic landmarks with a hug and a name. The largest willow, which is adorned with a Norwegian flag, is 22 feet in circumference, and was christened “Steve” by the K-1st grade students. The tree which houses trolls and most recently a barred owl, measures 12 feet and was christened “Aphmau” by the 2nd-3rd grade classes. The name Aphmau originates in Mexico and means “warrior”. The name Steve originates in Britain and means “crown” or “victorious”. When you visit be sure to say hi, and maybe give them a hug.

Students learned to identify Buckthorn and swept through the park marking buckthorn with red laces so they can be removed when the ground thaws. They also applied an arm sling for Johan, the blacksmith gnome, and visited with Torn- Rosa, the troll lefse baker. Hans and Tina are still sweethearts, and Odin the golfer is still looking for his ball, lost in the rough.

Students learned that their relationship with trees is an important one. Not only do trees give us oxygen, building and commercial products, food, medicines, and great beauty for our enjoyment, they are important to our emotional well-being. Students pledged to plant trees and reduce, reuse, and recycle to be good stewards of the environment. A Silver Maple sapling, started by seeds last spring from a Starbuck tree, will be planted to honor and thank Margaret Pederson, founder of Be Kind and inspirational friend of GHES.